Launch Your Career: Physical Therapy Assistant at the Central Alabama VA
Are you a dedicated clinician seeking to make a profound impact on the lives of those who have served our country? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently looking for a talented Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) to join the clinical team at the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System. This role is more than just a job; it is a commitment to providing compassionate, high-quality care to America's heroes.
Job Responsibilities
As a PTA, you will work under the supervision of a Physical Therapist to provide comprehensive rehabilitative care. This includes:
- Providing face-to-face and virtual therapeutic services.
- Serving as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in programs like geriatrics, orthopedics, or safe patient handling.
- Developing and implementing complex treatment programs.
- Mentoring junior staff and participating in departmental committees.
- Ensuring clinical practice guidelines are applied to achieve optimal patient outcomes.
Core Duties Comparison
| Responsibility | Scope | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Treatment | Direct patient care across various settings | Daily |
| SME Consultation | Advising on complex functional impairments | 25% of time |
| Staff Mentorship | Guiding best practices and clinical guidelines | Recurring |
Requirements
To be considered for this GS-9 position, candidates must meet specific criteria:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Licensure: Hold an active, unrestricted PTA license.
- Education: Completion of an accredited PTA program with supporting transcripts.
- Proficiency: Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
- Trial Period: Successful completion of a one-to-two-year trial period is required.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary range of $61,722 to $80,243 per year, commensurate with your experience and clinical background.
Benefits
Working for the VA comes with an exceptional benefits package designed to support your long-term success:
- Comprehensive healthcare coverage
- Federal retirement contributions
- Generous leave accrual
- Professional development opportunities
Application Tips
- Use the Required Template: Ensure you use the VA-provided standard clinical resume template.
- Highlight Your Experience: Be specific about your clinical hours and specialty areas.
- Proofread: Small errors can impact your qualification status; verify your documents before submission.
If you are ready to take the next step in your therapy career and serve those who have given so much, we encourage you to apply today. Your expertise is the difference in a Veteran's recovery journey.
Why This Physical Therapy Assistant Job Matters
Elevate your physical therapy career by joining a dedicated team serving those who have served our nation. Become a subject matter expert in rehabilitation at the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System.
Physical Therapy Assistant Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a skilled Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) to join the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System. This role is perfect for a clinician who excels in complex patient care and is ready to act as a subject matter expert in specialized rehabilitation programs. You will provide critical care to Veterans in acute, outpatient, and community living settings, working closely with Physical Therapists to deliver life-changing therapy.
Requirements for Physical Therapy Assistant
- U.S. Citizenship
- Current, full, active, and unrestricted PTA license
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
- Associate degree from an accredited PTA program or equivalent military/foreign training
- Passing score on the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE)
- Registration with the Selective Service (if applicable)
- Ability to complete a background and security investigation
Preferred Qualifications for Physical Therapy Assistant
- Minimum of 2000 hours of clinical practice in a specialty area within the last five years
- Advanced Practice Proficiency (APP) recognized by the American Physical Therapy Association
- Additional academic degrees related to healthcare missions
- Experience in specialized areas such as geriatrics, amputee care, brain injury, or orthopedics
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options
- ✓Life insurance and long-term care plans
- ✓Generous paid time off and federal holidays
- ✓Participation in the federal retirement system
- ✓Professional development and continuing education support
💡 How to Apply Physical Therapy Assistant Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Physical Therapy Assistant Job
- Create or update your USAJOBS account profile.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Download and complete the standard clinical resume document provided by the VA.
- Upload your resume, transcripts, and relevant professional certifications.
- Submit your full application package before the deadline.
- Monitor your email for status updates and follow-up requests.
💡 General Tips
- Use the specific VA-provided clinical resume template to avoid processing delays.
- Be detailed and specific about your clinical hours and specialty experience in your resume.
- Clearly label all uploaded documents to ensure they are easily identifiable by HR.
- Check your application status frequently through your USAJOBS dashboard.
- Review your eligibility for veterans' preference and ensure all supporting forms like the DD-214 are included.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary role of a PTA at the VA?
The PTA assists Physical Therapists in providing comprehensive rehabilitative services to Veterans, often acting as a subject matter expert in specific areas like geriatrics or orthopedics.
Is this position remote?
No, this position is located on-site in Montgomery, Alabama, and requires in-person patient interaction.
Are there mandatory vaccinations?
Yes, participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a condition of employment for all VA healthcare personnel.
What if I have foreign education?
You must provide a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency to be eligible.
Is there a residency requirement?
You must be able to perform your duties in the Montgomery, Alabama area.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Our mission is to fulfill President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have borne the battle. Working at the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System means becoming part of a community that values clinical excellence, continuous improvement, and deep respect for the Veteran population.